5 crucial steps for Super Eagles to qualify for 2026 World Cup

The Super Eagles are in a precarious situation regarding qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States (US), Canada, and Mexico, having started the campaign on a disappointing note.

As things stand, Nigeria’s hopes of playing in the tournament are shaky, with the Super Eagles currently occupying the fifth position on their 2026 World Cup qualification group table after four matches.

Nigeria has a total of three points after playing out three draws and losing 2-1 to Benin Republic, who alongside Rwanda and South Africa lead the group standings with seven points each.

With six more games to be played by each country in the group, The Guardian projects five things the Super Eagles must do to resurrect their campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will resume in March 2025.

1. Employ a Technically Sound Coach

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) at this stage needs to employ a technically sound coach for the Super Eagles, as it appears the interim, Augustine Eguavoen, cannot take the team further than he already has.

This is especially due to the manner in which the Super Eagles concluded their 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, suffering a disgraceful 2-1 defeat to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, last Monday.

Eguavoen had also failed to lead the team to victory against Benin Republic in their previous 2025 AFCON qualifier, as they came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw with the Cheetahs in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

READ ALSO: Super Eagles still lack quality in critical areas, says Eguavoen

Interestingly, Nigeria is in the same group with Rwanda and Benin Republic in the World Cup qualifiers, with the Super Eagles having earlier lost 2-1 to the latter in June 2024, a defeat that led former manager Finidi George to tender his resignation.

The NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, had promised some months ago to employ a quality coach for the Super Eagles, but since then, nothing concrete has happened.

If the leadership at the Glass House truly wants the Super Eagles to make an appearance at the 2026 World Cup scheduled for North America, now is the right time to appoint a technically sound coach and allow Eguavoen to return to his primary assignment as the NFF technical director.

2. Secure Six Victories

The Super Eagles are behind, and it means they have to win all their remaining games, even in South Africa (hopefully, other countries will cancel each other out as well).

The clearest path to qualification is for Nigeria to win all their remaining fixtures, as that would take them to a total of 21 points, which should undoubtedly help them finish at the top of the group.

Firstly, to achieve that, Nigeria must secure the maximum six points from their double-header against Rwanda, whom they recently lost to at home. This would deal a heavy blow to one of the main contenders for the top spot.

The Super Eagles must also do everything within their power to defeat South Africa away, as that would give them a psychological advantage, especially with Bafana Bafana expected to remain in contention until the final qualifier.

Going by the Super Eagles’ pedigree, wins against the likes of Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Benin Republic should come easily, but the Nigerian team is so unpredictable. However, they must secure three points against the aforementioned three countries.

3. Maintain a Water-Tight Defence

Now is the time for the Super Eagles’ defenders to step up, as they must stop their unbecoming habit of conceding cheap goals if they truly want to attend the next World Cup.

It is disheartening that they have conceded in every game, including against Zimbabwe and Lesotho, but that must stop when they resume their World Cup qualifiers with a double-header versus Rwanda in March 2025.

4. Hope South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin Falter

Apart from churning out their best performances, the Super Eagles will also need a sort of miracle and favor in their bid to reach the 2026 World Cup.

That favor is, however, a huge possibility due to the competitiveness of the group, as a series of victories could put pressure on their direct rivals: Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Republic, who are currently on seven points each.

5. Ensure Availability of Key Players

The NFF must ensure that key Super Eagles players, such as Victor Osimhen, are available to prosecute the remaining six World Cup qualifiers.

It should be noted that one of Nigeria’s best players at the moment, Osimhen, has missed all of the Super Eagles’ four 2026 World Cup qualification matches so far.

Osimhen’s goals and never-say-die spirit will be very important to the Super Eagles when they resume their World Cup qualifiers next year.

Also, Nigeria can still make it to the next mundial if the players are serious-minded. The team no longer has room for unserious players; only those committed to replicating their club form for the national team should be considered.